Statement from Gigaclear CEO Mike Surrey on Devon and Somerset full fibre rollout

On behalf of Gigaclear plc, I would like to apologise for the delays in delivering a full fibre network across rural Devon and Somerset. Whilst the first customers are now connected in East Devon, the project is running significantly behind schedule and we accept our performance to date has fallen short of the high standards that we set for ourselves.

However, with new ownership and with a new management team now in place, we have been able to review every aspect of this project in detail, to identify where problems have occurred, and to move quickly to put in place remedies to prevent them happening again. We would like to assure all stakeholders that Gigaclear will absorb any additional costs incurred and commit that there will not be any increases to the level of public subsidy.

The immediate measures include:

●A significant number of new regionally based staff in a variety of roles such as network planners and community liaison personnel have been appointed and trained to provide more on-the-ground support for residents. We are continually reviewing the requirement and will act quickly to add more where needed.

●Restructuring the roll-out to incorporate a range of new construction techniques that are focused on reducing delays, whilst continuing to deliver full fibre to the home.

In addition to the above, Gigaclear are presenting a new plan to Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) to re-energise this rollout programme. We will now contact Parish Councils regarding the impact of these delays, and thereafter there will be ongoing communications with the communities to keep them informed.

We share your frustrations that the delays are causing and would like to reassure you that we remain committed to delivering fast broadband services to the region.